Exploring Panama City Beach, Florida

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Panama City Beach, Florida is a popular youth sports tournament and vacation destination known for its stunning beaches, warm weather, and abundance of outdoor activities. Whether you’re traveling with family or friends or in town for a tournament, there’s plenty to see and do in and around this beautiful coastal town. CollegeWeekends also has loads of fantastic listings to accommodate a variety of lodging preferences.

Here are some of the top things to do, places to go, places to eat, and nightlife options in and near Panama City Beach:

Fun activities & places to go:

  • Visit the beach: Of course, the number one thing to do in Panama City Beach is to visit the beach. With crystal-clear waters and powdery white sand, it’s no wonder this beach is so popular.  You may also want to check out Shell Island: This barrier island offers pristine beaches and clear waters, perfect for snorkeling or just relaxing in the sun or perhaps you may want to take a dolphin watching tour.

  • Go fishing: Panama City Beach is home to some of the best fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. From deep-sea fishing charters to pier fishing, there are plenty of options for anglers of all skill levels.
  • Visit Gulf World Marine Park: This marine park offers an up-close experience with a variety of marine life, including sea turtles, sharks, stingrays, and dolphins.
  • Explore St. Andrews State Park: This amazing outdoor park offers hiking trails, beaches, and camping options for those who want to immerse themselves in nature.
  • Go shopping at Pier Park: This outdoor shopping center offers a variety of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options.
  • Enjoy Shipwreck Island Waterpark: This expansive waterpark offers a variety of water rides and attractions for all ages.

  • Explore WonderWorks: This interactive science museum offers a variety of exhibits and activities that are both fun and educational.
  • Get your fun on at Coconut Creek Family Fun Park: This family-friendly park offers mini-golf, a ropes course, and other great activities for the whole family.

Great places to eat:

  • Firefly: This upscale restaurant offers fresh seafood, steaks, and a variety of other dishes in a romantic, candlelit setting.
  • The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House: This seafood restaurant is known for its fresh oysters and other seafood dishes.

  • Thomas Donut & Snack Shop: This local favorite offers delicious donuts, breakfast sandwiches, and coffee.
  • Andy’s Flour Power: This bakery and cafe offers a variety of breakfast and lunch options, including sandwiches, salads, and quiches.

Fun nightlife options:

  • Club La Vela: This nightclub is one of the largest in the country and offers multiple dance floors, live music, and a variety of other entertainment options.
  • Tootsies Orchid Lounge: This country-themed bar offers live music and a fun atmosphere.
  • Coyote Ugly: This bar offers a fun, rowdy atmosphere with bartenders who dance on the bar.

  • The Red Bar: This bar and restaurant offers live music and a variety of drinks in a cozy, intimate setting.

With its beautiful beaches, warm weather, and top-notch facilities, Panama City Beach also attract teams from all over the country for a variety of sports. Here are some of the top youth sports tournaments in Panama City and Panama City Beach:

Top youth sports tournaments & Ironman:

  • Grand Slam Baseball Tournaments: This baseball tournament series is held at Frank Brown Park in Panama City Beach and attracts teams from all over the Southeast.
  • World Sports League Softball Tournaments: These softball tournaments are held at the Panama City Beach Sports Complex and feature teams from all over the country.

  • Gulf Coast Invitational Soccer Tournaments: These soccer tournaments are held at the Panama City Beach Sports Complex and feature teams from all over the Southeast.
  • Panama City Beach Blast Volleyball Tournaments: This volleyball tournament series is held at the Panama City Beach Sports Complex and attracts teams from all over the country.
  • USSSA Fastpitch Softball Tournaments: These softball tournaments are held at Frank Brown Park in Panama City Beach and attract teams from all over the Southeast.
  • Ironman 70.3 Gulf Coast Triathlon: This triathlon is held in Panama City Beach and attracts athletes from all over the world. With a challenging course that includes a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride, and a 13.1-mile run, this event is a great opportunity for triathletes to push themselves to the limit.

Without question, Panama City Beach, Florida offers a variety of fun things to do, places to go, places to eat, and nightlife options for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach or enjoy a fun night or visiting for a tournament, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful coastal town.